House Training Your Pup

Adult dogs always like to keep their "den" clean. Virtually all pups will become clean in the house even without training. The suggestions below will help your pup to learn quickly.

Reduce the amount of motion

Feed Hill's "Science Plan". This will result in much less motion than most other foods (about a half or less). This makes it easier for your pup to "hold on". If there is a mess overnight, avoid feeding after 6.00pm.

Puppy house cage

When not under observation, keep your pup in a puppy house cage containing his bedding. A pup tends not to foul his den or sleeping area and will learn to "hold on". Gradually allow him access to more of the house as he learns that all of it is part of his "den"

No punishments

Shouting, anger, "rubbing noses in it" - none of these work.

In fact they make matters worse by confusing the pup and making him afraid of "performing" in your presence. This means that eventually he won’t do it on a walk but will wait until you have gone to bed!

Watch closely and take him out

Watch for the signs that he is just about to perform - sniffing, circling, thinking of squatting. Watch especially after feeding, as he wakes up, or is let out of the pen. Interrupt this behaviour immediately, but gently, and take him out into the garden / yard. Wait patiently and quietly for 3 minutes. If he does not perform then quietly take him back inside. If he does perform then reward him immediately. (see below).

Reward your pup effectively

Reward him with enthusiastic praise and touch. Jump up and down with joy. Express yourself just as your pup does to you. Your voice, facial expression and body language can all be used to make him feel good. Give him a tasty treat. He'll soon learn to perform outside just to get you going!

Once your pup is allowed to go for walks, a fun walk can be used as a reward, if he performs - he gets a walk! Remember not to end a walk immediately after your pup performs or he will learn to "hold on" so as to extend his walk. It is better to encourage him to perform before a walk and be rewarded with a walk.

Teach your pup to perform on command

Choose a word or a sign. Use it every time you pup is in the act of performing. Soon he will associate the word with the act and will perform on command. Guide dogs are taught to respond to "get busy", but any clear word or phrase would do

Cleaning up in the house

When there is a mess to clean up - do it calmly (don’t show anger or frustration). Pick up the bulk in kitchen towels, soak up the wet with old newspaper, then clean with a mild disinfectant in a pump spray. Ask reception for advice on disinfection. It is best to avoid strong disinfectants or bleach as the ammonia in them may attract the pup to perform there again. Use "Odour eliminator" spray after cleaning up to get rid of any smell . This will also stop the pup being attracted back to that place to perform again.

Poop scoops

When on a walk, be prepared to pick up any mess that is produced in the wrong place. Several types of poop scoop are available in reception. Science plan food help produce "pick-able" motions!

Newspaper training?

Pet behaviourists these days no longer recommend training to newspapers. If you train your pup to perform on newspaper you then have to "un-train" him a few weeks later. If you feel happier using newspaper this is& okay, but do follow all the above guidelines as well.

Watch Closely and Take Him Out

Watch for the signs that he is just about to perform - sniffing, circling, thinking of squatting. Watch especially after feeding, as he wakes up, or is let out of the pen. Interrupt this behaviour immediately, but gently, and take him out into the garden / yard. Wait patiently and quietly for 3 minutes. If he does not perform then quietly take him back inside. If he does perform then REWARD him immediately. (see below).